Ice Shanty Removal this Weekend

As the winter ice fishing season winds down, the DNR is reminding area fishers that the ice shelter removal deadline in the northern region is Sunday.

After Sunday, portable shelters can still be used, but must be removed daily and when not occupied. The region includes all inland waters north of Highway 64. For waters south of the highway, the deadline has already passed.

According to the DNR, at this point in the season, ice conditions start to deteriorate and make removal unsafe and difficult. A shanty that breaks through the ice can create a safety hazard for boaters and anglers during open water season.

Failure to remove your shanty can also be costly. Failure to remove a shanty or ice fishing shelter by these deadlines could result in a forfeiture of $263.10. Additional costs may be incurred if the DNR must arrange to have the shanty removed or if the shanty or ice fishing shelter breaks through the ice and must be recovered and disposed of.